14 DAY TRIAL // Padge Gordon, alias the “Black Madam” is being tried in Philadelphia after allegedly murdering a young woman with silicone injections meant to enlarge her buttocks. Ms. Gordon is facing third-degree murder charges.
In February 2011, 20-year-old Claudia Aderotimi died of respiratory problems, after being injected with silicone by a friend posing as a nurse. Aderotimi was an exotic dancer, and had gone under the syringe, together with a group of other dancers.
Theresa Gyamfi testified at the woman's trial this Wednesday, NY Daily News reports. The 22-year-old had taken part in the unorthodox procedure and was a friend of the victim's.
She claims the pair had already had the operation done once, and were just coming back for a retouching session. They paid $2,000 each for the first series of injections and $1,800 for the second.
According to her statement, cotton balls and glue were used to seal the women's wounds. After noticing Aderotimi had become ill as a result of the injections she applied, Padge Gordon left the inn.
The prosecution argued that the substance used for the enhancement operation was not fit for medical use.
"She took a product meant for industry and food grain and she injected it into a young woman who was otherwise healthy, at age 20 ... who then died," Assistant District Attorney Bridget Kirn said.
The girl underwent the procedure on February 7, 2011, believing it would benefit her professionally and personally. The delicate operation was performed in Gordon's room at the Hampton Inn in Philadelphia, on a dining room table.
Almost immediately after, Aderotimi started experiencing difficulty breathing and was rushed to a hospital. A series of tests revealed that silicone particles had attached to her lungs and doctors couldn't remove them surgically, as the particles were miniscule. The bum injections lead to the girl dying in the hospital, hours later.
The “Black Madam” is being held in Philadelphia county prison, on $750,000 bond. If sentenced, she would be spending 20 to 40 years in jail.